How this literacy project with families is helping to give Oldham's young children the best start

"My daughter was struggling with conversations but this is massively boosting her confidence," said one happy parent.

Making it REAL (Raising, Early, Achievement in Literacy) is an award-winning early years literacy programme which helps professionals to support parents’ knowledge and confidence so that they can help their children with reading and writing and create a positive home learning environment.

More than 170 children are currently taking part in the programme, funded by Oldham Council Family Hubs, from 22 schools and settings across Oldham.

The children and families take part in a series of home visits and literacy events throughout the year.

At Beever Primary School in St Mary's, children have been learning about minibeasts and last week they hosted an Ugly Bug Ball as one of the literacy events.

All nursery and reception class pupils, including those taking part in the home visits, were invited with their families.

Activities were set up around the room linked to early literacy development and children dressed up for the occasion as various bugs and insects.

Jasmina Gawkowska praised the difference the programme has made for her four-year-old daughter Eliana Coffey.

"It's brilliant, It's really nice to see that she has got such a good rapport wit her teachers," she said.

"She's better behaved and she's making progress with her writing and reading. I would definitely recommend it."

And Adam Aylward said about his four-year-old daughter Evie: "This has improved her literacy massively and she loves it.

"Her speech has improved.

"She was struggling with conversations but this is bringing it on and is massively boosting her confidence.

"It's great seeing her developing her literacy in the home environment.

"It's boosting her relationship with her teacher."  

The Council has worked in partnership with the National Children's Bureau, the national charity working to improve the lives of children and young people, since 2019 to deliver Making It Real.

The programme was developed in the 90s by the NCB and the University of Sheffield, based on a study by Professor Cathy Nutbrown.

It has seen children make great progress in their communication while developing a love for reading, rhyme and writing. 

At Beever there are currently eight families, who were identified by the school, receiving home visits.

Headteacher Nicola Edwards said one pupil who took part last year had rarely spoken before taking part in the literacy programme.

"The greatest thing about this project is that it's building confidence and communication skills in children," said Mrs Edwards.

"And it's building confidence in parents.

"Children get so excited when they know the teachers are coming to their homes they wait at the windows, and Miss Maxwell and Miss McEvoy are fantastic."

Children also take part in off-site visits, such as visiting their local library or book shop to choose a book.

Mrs Edwards said: "The Ugly Bug Ball was very warmly received.

"Our topic was ‘are all minibeasts scary' but the children looked far from scary. They all looked fantastic."

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Our Family Hubs offer provides families of children aged 0-19 and 25 with SEND with a wide range of support.

"Here in Oldham we are working hard to give children the best possible start in life and identifying how they can reach their full potential, and this is a great example of how we are helping them to flourish from the beginning."

For more information about the Family Hubs and to find your nearest Hub, please visit: familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk

Beever Primary School has a limited number of spaces available in reception and nursery, and the school would welcome visits from parents and carers seeking a place for their child.

Call the school to arrange a visit on 0161 770 7500.

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